Definition
The Instrument Landing System serving Runway 28R at a given airport. ILS 28R refers to the precision approach procedure that guides aircraft to Runway 28R using radio signals that provide both lateral guidance (centerline alignment) and vertical guidance (glide path) down to the runway.
Plain English
An instrument approach that uses radio signals to guide an aircraft straight down to Runway 28R, telling the pilot both whether they are lined up with the runway and whether they are at the right height as they descend.
Context Anchor
Seen on approach charts, in avionics procedure lists, and in air traffic control clearances for an instrument approach.
Derivation
The runway number '28' comes from the runway's magnetic heading -- about 280 degrees, or roughly west. The 'R' means 'right,' used when an airport has parallel runways pointing the same direction; the other one is labeled 'L' for left. So ILS 28R is the precision approach to the right-hand runway pointing roughly west.
Why Pilots Care
When ATC clears you for 'the ILS 28R approach,' you must tune the correct frequency, fly the correct course, and intercept the correct glide path. Confusing 28R with 28L (the parallel runway) can put you on approach to the wrong runway -- a serious safety issue at busy parallel-runway airports.
Intuition Check
ILS 28R is not just a general landing aid for the airport. It is the specific ILS approach for Runway 28 Right.
Example Sentence 1
NorCal Approach cleared the Bonanza for the ILS 28R approach into San Francisco.
Example Sentence 2
The crew reviewed the ILS 28R minimums before beginning the descent in clouds.